Marathon now complete: for full details of the journey, please read here: 

http://pondomarathon.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/malta-marathon.html

As part of my 40 before 40, I challenged myself to "Running a Marathon".  Knowing how grueling the 26.2 mile journey would be, I started to lose weight and focus on pounding the pavements.  

After our son Spud was born sleeping in 2013, both my amazing wife Clare and I wanted to give something back to the Maternity Unit at Bolton Royal Hospital to say thank you.  We rallied a team of family and friends and set out #Running4Spud.

Since this date we have had three further miscarriages, one of which was ectopic and, although devastating, the staff at RBH have been second to none.  We cannot thank them enough for the support and care we have received. We have never felt like just a number, but as part of the family.

Our story does have a happier ending, Clare is well into her third trimester now and thanks to Bolton Maternity Unit we are in a position we never thought possible.  It hasn't been plain sailing, but with the excellent services provided we are closing in on that wonderful date.

I have entered the Malta Marathon for the 28th February 2016 and will be aiming to complete this in under 4 hours.  I know how much of a challenge this is, but with extra support, #Running4Spud will help me push on towards the finish line

I am offering a "Be with me for a Mile" option to which anyone can donate and be in my thoughts on that mile of my journey.  Knowing that there will be someone with me in spirit throughout will definitely be a little boost.  If you wish to "Be with me for a mile", please mention this in your donation with any comments, support, wisdom or just something to make me laugh and I will update.

Thank you

Danny & Clare

People who are with me Miles:

Mile 1 - T'Hi & Uncle Dave - Coming out to Malta to support me from the very first step to the final one across the finish line.  Great support

Mile 2 - 

Mile 3 - Sandra & Billiam - Best neighbours in the world! 

Mile 4 - 

Mile 5 - Jonathan Marshall - Here I will have to be thinking of Star Wars as Jonathan has referenced The Empire in his donation

Mile 6 - Eileen & Roy - Go Danny Go

Mile 7 - Debs - purely for support, just to be with me for mile 7.

Mile 8 - Gilly  (Golly) Cuz - Gilly Cuz has completed more than one marathon and does them in style.  She is also the only person I know who can run a ParkRun whilst heavily pregnant and still hit PB's!  Gill is definitely an inspiration for this mile.

Mile 9 - Mr Kev  - Just over a third of the way there, and I am sure that thinking of Mr Kev and "my lovely eyes" will bring a smile to my face and keep me pushing on

Mile 10 - 

Mile 11 - Paula & Family - I had mentioned to Paula about my first 10 mile run and it will be good to have support knowing that I was over that barrier

Mile 12 - Terry Donovan - Lucky Number 12. Hopefully, I will be feeling as lucky

Mile 13 (Halfway there) - Rosh Fakira - Having started this journey with me to the Half Marathon point, it is only fitting that my 13th mile is with Rosh in my thoughts

Mile 14 - Aunty Denise - Having left the half way point behind, it is all counting down now.  I am sure Denise will be counting down to a special date as well this year!

Mile 15 - David e Dora - VOW - David is my Marathon Running Uncle with inspiration and Dora is the highlight of our family whatsapp's - so this mile will definitely make me smile and forget the pain

Mile 16 - T'lind & Bazza - Knowing how awesome 2016 is going to be for our families, T'lind and Bazza will be in my thoughts for this mile! That's Amore

Mile 17 - Sue Sue - I am sure Sue will be with me every step of the way, but more so in my thoughts for this mile.  I can imagine at this stage I will be feeling worse for wear, but Sue Sue will be pushing me on

Mile 18 - James Cuz - Having an IronDude offering advice on how to run a marathon is all I need, I just hope the cramp he felt at mile 18 will not hit me!

Mile 19 - Babara Howarth - Barbara has been an inspiration to my Ma and encourages her to power round ParkRun on a Saturday morning, I will use this encouragement to push me on for the final stages

Mile 20 - McFulty & Edith - I have known Fulton since working at SRFT and he has always supported me.  We met his wonderful wife Edith a couple of years ago whilst on holiday and just hit it off perfectly.  Looking forward to an Indian meal to celebrate!

Mile 21 - Steve Mc - a great mate and reasonable poker player, Steve has always been there!  I think I will try to take my mind off the pain in this mile and think of the many times Steve & I have been heads up, they always make me smile!

Mile 22 (Home straight) - My wonderful Ma - has supported us through everything, thick and thin.  She will be with me throughout, but specifically on mile 22 (as this is my birthday number)

Mile 23 - Gary - With the final 5k to go, adrenaline should be kicking in.  Gary's advice about smashing through in inevitable wall and pushing towards the finish line will definitely be the drive I need.

Mile 24 - The Beewell's  - Both Ian and Keely are two friends that have been supportive of me and my crazy ideas for years, sometimes joining me! This mile will be full of geeky laughs thinking about some of the things we have done

Mile 25 - My Amazing Pa - By this stage I know my legs will be fueled by adrenaline and pixie dust as there will be nothing left in the tank.  My Ma n Pa are flying out to Malta mainly to support me in this challenge, so it will be great to see them on this final stretch

Mile 26 (and the 0.2) - Clare and Chewie - Clare is the inspiration that has pushed me on through this journey, but cannot be with me at the finish.  I am sure it will be emotional, as she is my one true inspiration.